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CCTV Technology has ‘Overtaken Ability to Regulate it’

By

Nick Clayton

Oct 4, 2012 6:17 am GMT

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There are an estimated 1.85 million surveillance cameras in the U.K.

The first surveillance commissioner appointed by the U.K. government has warned that high-definition camera systems are being introduced that are so sophisticated that they may be in breach of human rights laws. They are being installed, said Andrew Rennison, often without consultation and without the public being aware of their capabilities.

The former police officer, who was formally appointed as surveillance commissioner last month after holding the post on an interim basis from 2009, was interviewed by The Independent.

“The rapid advancement of digital technology means that 16-megapixel HD cameras are now very affordable, so people are buying a camera with a huge optical and digital zoom power.